Delta: Bird likely caused damage to plane carrying Thunder

Oct. 29, 2017

CHICAGO (AP) — Delta Air Lines says a charter flight carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder from Minneapolis to Chicago apparently encountered a bird early Saturday when it was landing, causing damage that prompted some players to post photos on social media showing the caved-in nose of the plane.

No one was reported hurt. Oklahoma City plays the Chicago Bulls on Saturday after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

"You never take anything for granted, just be thankful and blessed they we were able to land the plane and everything was OK," Thunder star Russell Westbrook said. "Seeing stuff like that just shows you how you need to cherish life and understand the important things in life and embrace every moment."

Carmelo Anthony, Josh Huestis, and Steven Adams all posted photos of the plane shortly after it landed around 12:45 a.m.

Anthony wrote on Instagram, "What possibly could we have hit in the SKY at this time of night? Everyone is Safe, Though."

Delta Airlines spokeswoman Elizabeth Wolf said maintenance was evaluating the situation and that the damage was likely caused by a collision with a bird. She said the Boeing 757-200 landed safely without incident at Chicago's Midway International Airport.